The Most Current Information on Plasticizers Just Published

This book contains comprehensive review of information available in open literature, such as published scientific papers, information from plasticizer manufacturers, and patent literature. The book contains information from the most recent sources and updated information from the previous edition.

The information available today permits to use plasticizers more effectively and to avoid certain plasticizers in applications where they may cause health or material durability problems. Plasticizer incorporation demands a broad background of information because plasticizers are now added to complex mixtures containing variety of materials which may have different reactions to the presence of plasticizers. Plasticizer’s choice is also not simple because there is a large selection of commercial plasticizers and various environmental issues dictating preferred solutions.

Both aspects considered indicate the need for comprehensive source which, using currently available means of computerized database should provide data and a broad background of theoretical information in condensed form easy to search.

All numerical data are in the form of database (see information on Plasticizer Database which is a separate publication), whereas the theoretical component of information is given in the traditional form of a printed book.

Twenty one chapters are included in Handbook of Plasticizers. Only some chapters are discussed here to add more information.

Data are available for large number of commercial plasticizers. This data is used in Chapter 2 to specify typical properties of plasticizers which belong to one of the groups and also to give ranges of expected properties for a given group.

Chapters 5, 6 and 7 contain new and historical approaches, which explain mechanisms of plasticizers action and their behavior in plasticized systems. This theoretical background helps to understand practical observations and provides guidance to the methods of material improvement. Chapter 9 shows plasticization steps and results of various analytical studies which help in understanding these steps and parameters which may control them.

Twenty five Sections of Chapter 10 discuss plasticizers effect on physical and mechanical properties of plasticized materials. These sections are very essential for understanding the behavior of materials and principles of their formulation.

Chapter 11 contains data on use of plasticizers in 61 groups of polymers. The information is grouped under the following sections – Frequently used plasticizers, Practical concentrations, Main functions performed by plasticizers, Mechanism of plasticizer action, Effect of plasticizers on polymer and other additives, and Typical formulations. Use of such consistent method of data presentation helps to find information quickly and to compare data from various sources and applications.

Similar, Chapter 13 discusses use of plasticizers in 34 groups of products according to a similar breakdown including Plasticizer types, Plasticizer concentration, Reasons for plasticizer use, Advantages and disadvantages of plasticizers use, Effect of plasticizers on product properties, and Examples of formulations. Both chapters make use of a large number of patents and information in open literature discussing the most current findings and trends.

In Chapter 14 attempts are being made to discuss the following topics: Effect of plasticizers on process conditions, Processing defects formation and elimination with use of plasticizers, Influence of rheological changes on process, Equipment maintenance, and Energy consumption. This chapter discusses 15 methods of polymer and rubber processing.

Several chapters which follow discuss various aspects of plasticizer effect on health, safety, and environment. Chapter 17 contains opinions of renowned experts on various aspects of plasticizers effect on health and safety. Chapter 18 contains information on plasticizers persistence in soil and water. Plasticizers releases and their presence in environment are discussed for many important commercial plasticizers.

This short review shows that this book is the most comprehensive source of current information on plasticizers. Plasticizers are used in so many products that every library should have this reference source of information on plasticizers readily available for its readers. Especially considering that so many aspects of application plasticizers have recently changed that older books cannot provide right answers.

This book should be used in conjunction with Plasticizer Database which gives information on the present status and properties of industrial and research plasticizers.

Contact Information

Anna Fox

Marketing Mgr

ChemTec Publishing

(1) (416) 265-2603

a.fox@chemtec.org